Dr. Dale Chomas, who has a practice in Watsontown, Pa., said, “The best one can do for Halloween for children is to encourage them to eat their fill (at once).”

Of course, the dentists acknowledged there are other health problems with children overindulging in candy, but going overboard on one occasion can save teeth in the long run.

Once your mouth comes in contact with sugar, an acid forms on your teeth and lasts 20 minutes, according to Chomas. This acid is what contributes to tooth decay, or cavities.

Chomas suggests satisfying your sweet tooth in a lump sum. It is much healthier than having a piece every hour for 12 hours the next three weeks.

Holthus, too, is not a fan of leaving a 5-pound bag of simple sugars on top of the refrigerator for the family to nibble at.

“If you are, you’re constantly feeding bacteria in your mouth,” he said. “The bacteria just waits to be fed.”

Kids, you may not want to read any further.

Chomas said he would never encourage eating all of the candy. This is where the parents should step in and “help make the candy disappear.”

“(After the kids are asleep), misplace some candy, let the garbage man have it,” he said. “The kids will think they ate it all, or forget about it.”

The technique has worked in the Chomas household.

“You’re doing the child a favor by throwing it away,” he added.

The dentists also said there is more to protecting young ones than limiting the candy flow.

Some of the sticky stuff can pose a problem on dental work, Holthus reminded. Also, remember not to allow children to run around with candy in their mouths; it is a choking hazard.

If there is one thing the docs would want to stick in people’s mind, it would be to remember to brush and floss regularly, especially right after eating all that candy. If the kids have trouble brushing their teeth, help them, Chomas said.

There are other seasons where it is OK to spoil yourself with candy now and then, like Christmas, Holthus said.

But if limiting candy, juice or soda is a problem, there are some helpful solutions.

Holthus said sugar-free versions of everyone’s favorites can be found at the grocery store.

“There’s been a lot of progression for health reasons,” he said. “(The candy) is great, and it tastes great. But remember, it’s not fat-free.”

There are also many sugar-free gums and favored waters out there. Holthus recommends handing out this sort of thing, or small toys, for next Halloween.